Top 5 Coriander Essential Oil Uses

Coriander is almost exclusively known as a culinary spice, but there are some things worth knowing about the often forgotten about flavoring that some may find surprising. To start, it’s important to understand that coriander, as most people are familiar with, is really the same plant as more-familiar cilantro. Most of the time, reference to “coriander” relates specifically to the plant’s seeds, which can be ground and used in cooking. The plant is also known as Chinese parsley, but this name is less common. This distinction is important because the leaves of the multiple named plants have a very strong odor and flavor, while that associated with the oil and seed are considered far less pungent. These seeds are where the plant’s essential oils are extracted from through a process called steam distillation. Via this process, coriander essential oil uses for medicinal use and religious and social applications have existed for hundreds of years.

Nearly all health related essential oil uses attributed to coriander are based on the healing properties associated with naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the oil. Terpinolene, cymene, dipentene, linalool, phellandrene, pinene, terpineol and others combine to make for a substance that is thought to possess pain relieving, antibacterial and antifungal, inflammation reducing and sedative properties. These and other health condition and wellness related properties form the foundation of most coriander essential oil uses, including the most popular five, which can be found below.

1. Aphrodisiac: Many plant oils are thought to help boost libido, and coriander oil is suspected for use not only for this function, but also reducing frigidity, erectile dysfunction and cases of impotency that are temporary in nature. The reason that inhaling the aroma of coriander is thought to do this supposedly relates to the oil’s stimulation of hormones found in the body. One important thing to remember about these various sexual coriander essential oil uses however, is that not everyone finds the scent of the oil appealing. Some link it to lemons and freshness, while others think it smells dirty and even like bugs. Those who don’t like the smell of the oil will definitely not find it useful in enhancing romance.

2. Pain: Neat (undiluted) application of coriander oil is generally well tolerated (although some, particularly those with sensitive skin, may benefit from dilution with a carrier oil). Essential oils that boast analgesic properties where neat, topical application is generally considered safe are excellent choices in natural pain relievers because they’re practical, easy to use and typically devoid of side effects. Coriander essential oil uses include both providing pain relief and reducing pain-causing muscle spasms, meaning that there may be more than one way that coriander can provider prompt, temporary symptom relief.

3. Nail Fungus: Many essential oils are effective against illness and disease causing pathogens, and while coriander is known for antibacterial effects, it’s also considered a rather potent natural anti fungal, too. This property, combined with the substance’s generally well tolerated tendency towards neat application makes it an ideal natural treatment for external fungus ailments. Historically, it’s believed by some that coriander essential oil uses also included dysentery, a disease that some attribute to fungal sources.

4. Easing Digestion: Perhaps the oldest known of all coriander essential oil uses relates to digestion, where it was believed to help regulate all functions associated with the stomach and also help reduce flatulence and intestinal gas. The oil’s benefits to digestion may be furthered but coriander’s purported anti inflammatory and antispasmodic properties which may also have positive implications in digestive health and symptom reduction, especially in chronic conditions such as IBS. Internal consumption may be ideal for using coriander oil in digestion, but it’s important to not only use therapeutic grade oils but also speak to a doctor first to ensure safe use and proper dosing, too.

5. Deodorant. As is pertinent in terms of aromatherapy use, obviously other scent related uses of coriander are limited to cases where the user finds the oil’s scent pleasing. If this is not the case, then it really isn’t practical to take advantage of body odor reducing properties attributed to coriander. But, for those that find the fragrance of coriander, fresh, lemony and rejuvenating, it may be an ideal, chemical free alternative to traditional deodorant and a suitable option for reducing bad breath, too. Interestingly enough, both of these coriander essential oil uses are thought to be applicable not only when the oil is used externally, but also when taken internally as well – meaning that perhaps various unpleasant physiological scents may be reduced if therapeutic grade oils are taken orally as well as when applied topically.

Coriander joins other food related essential oils like fennel, caraway and tarragon in many digestion related blends, but its unique taste and aroma keep it out of many blends that its healthful properties may complement. However, since it’s also being evaluated for use in adrenal issues and diabetes, it’s possible that more combination products may contain coriander essential oil in the future.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is intended for a general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or a treatment for specific medical conditions. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Always consult with your doctor or other professional healthcare provider for a medical advice.